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Driver Safety Tips - Deer Crossing Ahead

Caution can Help Prevent Deer/Vehicle Crashes

Deer are one of the major roadside hazards facing drivers and one of the most difficult to control. Hundreds of thousands of deer/vehicle crashes occur each year causing deaths, injuries and millions of dollars in damages.

Through research, we’ve learned many patterns about deer/vehicle accidents. For example, most deer/vehicle crashes occur around sunrise or sunset. April, May, October and November - are the most common times for these accidents.

  • Deer/vehicle crashes are often unavoidable. However, a few precautions may minimize your chances of injury or property damage in a deer/vehicle crash. Please keep these ideas in mind:
  • Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts save lives and keep passengers safer in any crash.
  • Don’t swerve or take the ditch to avoid hitting a deer. Try to brake as much as possible and stay on the roadway. Don’t lose control of your vehicle or slam into something else to miss the deer. You risk less injury by hitting the deer.
  • When you see one deer cross the road, look for a second or third deer to follow.
  • If you spot deer ahead, slow down immediately and honk your horn.
  • Pay attention on roadways posted with deer crossing area caution signs. They are there for good reason. Be extra careful in these areas – slow down!
  • Report any accident promptly. You may be legally required to report an accident with significant vehicle damage, depending on state laws.
  • No published research supports the effectiveness of deer whistles on vehicles. Deer can’t hear ultrasonic frequencies.

Caution is the best way to reduce your risk of a deer/vehicle crash. Be extra cautious around sunrise and sunset, especially during the spring and fall.

These recommendations were developed using generally accepted safety standards. Compliance with these recommendations is not a guarantee that you will be in conformance with any building code, federal, state or local regulation regarding safety or fire. Compliance with these recommendations does not ensure the absolute safety of your occupation, business or residence. It is the property owner’s duty to warn any tenants or occupants of the property of any safety hazards that may exist.